I’m writing this from the train on the way back from a very high-quality presentation organised by Strathclyde Police and Road Safety Scotland. Like every organisation involved with road safety, the Strathclyde force is concerned about the number of newly qualified drivers coming to grief on their roads and this seminar was held to launch a new campaign, “Drive 4 Safety.“

Being neither a young person nor a parent I wasn’t in the target audience but I was very impressed by the event, especially the afternoon session which showcased a presentation developed by the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership called “Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives” - a short film about 4 friends, out in their car for a night and the consequences that unfold from simple decisions - seatbelt or not? - reckless overtake or the safe option? At key moments the film stopped and a member of the emergency services, a bereaved parent and a road crash survivor stepped forward to give their own testimony - what is it like stepping from A and E to meet a parent and tell them that their son couldn’t be saved? What is it like going out from the fire station on a wild, rainy night to try and cut a teenage girl free from the back seat of her boyfriend’s car? How do you come to terms with the fact that your decision not to wear a seatbelt one night has left you in a wheelchair for the rest of your life?

I always think “there but for the grace of God” on such occasions because I’ve been down a country road upside down in a Mini Metro which turned over in a corner - my friend behind the wheel wasn’t bad, or particularly reckless, or under the influence of anything except a mismatch between his ambition and his ability. In another world we weren’t lucky, didn’t land safely back on the wheels in an open field, I didn’t make it to 20, and it’s my dad speaking to an audience of solemn teenagers about how it feels to bury your child.

As the conference took pains to point out, getting a driving licence is a great thing. It’s the first step into the adult world. It’s freedom, it’s independence and it’s instant kudos with your peer group. Hopefully campaigns like this one will cut the number of people for whom it’s also a death warrant.

The appointment of leading transport expert Professor Stephen Glaister CBE as the new Director of the Royal Automobile Club Foundation has been announced today (25 April).

Professor Glaister will lead the development of the Foundation’s policy and research programmes and be the Foundation’s principal spokesman. He will ensure that realism about transport, and the interests of the responsible road user, are properly represented to the Government and media.

Glaister is currently Professor of Transport and Infrastructure at Imperial College, London. He has written on a wide range of transport subjects, including roads, railways and the London Underground, and is a member of a number of high-level transport boards and committees. He has been an adviser to Government, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Transport, the Rail Regulator and other organisations.

Professor Glaister was also one of the authors of Motoring Towards 2050: Roads and Reality; the RAC Foundation’s study on road investment and pricing strategy for the next 35 years, published in November 2007.

He said: “It is a privilege to be taking over the leadership of the Foundation, especially at such a critical time for transport policy.

“Roads are by far the most important physical infrastructure for meeting the day-to-day needs of the individual and the economy, but successive Governments have not given them nearly enough care and attention.

“We have collectively yet to find acceptable and balanced policies to combat ever worsening congestion. And we all must explore the contribution road users need to make to solve the issue of climate change.

“The Foundation is an independent body, and I aim to build on its considerable achievements in developing fact-based, objective arguments on all issues relating to the responsible road user. Part of that is the important role public transport plays and how all forms of transport work well together.” 

Commenting on the appointment, RAC Foundation Chairman David Holmes said: “We are delighted that we have secured someone of Stephen Glaister’s recognised distinction to be our new Director. This appointment will strengthen our reputation as an authoritative and independent contributor to the transport debate. Besides being one of the leading transport economists in the country, Stephen is an accomplished communicator on radio, TV and the press. 

At the same time, we will continue to speak up for the responsible motorist on the many issues that affect us all day to day, and campaign to make the roads safer.”

David was also delighted to announce the Foundation’s current Acting Director and Head of Campaigns Sheila Rainger would be promoted to the role of Deputy Director when Stephen takes up his appointment.

He said “Sheila has teken on the Acting Director role with great energy, expertise and enthusiasm, and the role of Deputy Director is well deserved.”

More of Britain’s roads could be designed with the safety of motorcyclists in mind thanks to a new website launched today.

Urgent and decisive action is needed to bring a halt to the motoring misery caused by over-running road works, according to the RAC Foundation, as the 2008 ALARM survey reveals today (2) for the first time the true number of trenches dug by utility companies.

The Royal Automobile Club Foundation has welcomed the decision to delay the 2p fuel duty increase as “the only bright spot in a budget that seemingly does nothing positive for the motorist.”

Welcoming the fact that the beleaguered British motorist has been given a short breathing space, Sheila Rainger, Acting Director of the Foundation said: “This sensible decision is the only bright spot in a budget seemingly doing nothing positive for the motorist. But postponing the increase only delays the misery for British motorists struggling to make ends meet. The Chancellor should look again at the idea of a fuel duty stabiliser to protect British motorists from the shocks of the global oil market.”

The cost of fuel has leapt 20% in the last 12 months as the global oil price rises to over $100 per barrel - and any increases in duty would disproportionately affect motorists on low incomes and those in rural areas who are dependent on their cars.

The Foundation believes the motorist should no longer be expected to top up the ‘public purse’ with taxes disguised as environmental considerations, now that the Stern Review has demonstrated that motorists are the only energy users meeting their carbon costs.

“There is no environmental case for higher taxes. Based on the Government’s own figures in the Stern Review, the full cost of the greenhouse gases produced by road transport amounts to no more than 14p per litre. Road users are the only energy users paying the full cost of their carbon emissions; unlike rail or air travellers.”

The Foundation is disappointed there has been no provision for additional spending on improving the UK’s road network considering that both the budget and The Eddington Transport Study have recognised the importance of reducing congestion to develop and maintain the economy.

The RAC Foundation has already highlighted in its Roads and Reality report that by 2041 there will be an 11% increase in population and a 38% increase in vehicle kilometres driven, putting our already overburdened road system under increased pressure.

Rainger added: “The changes we face in future decades have simply not been taken into account. It seems the Government has decided to brush these forecasts under the carpet.”

On the subject of new tax proposals, she said: “Graduated VED has helped consumers choose the most efficient car to meet their needs. As long as new bands inform and do not confuse the customer they will be welcome. The impact of new bands on buying behaviour should be carefully monitored and the thresholds adjusted if necessary.”

Commenting on the first year tax changes, Rainger pointed out: “Measures that make people think carefully about choosing a vehicle that matches their needs are always welcome. However, we believe incentives for choosing a more efficient car are more likely to win the public over than swingeing taxes. The Government should monitor the effectiveness of this tax and be prepared to drop it if it is not working.”

The rising cost of fuel is squeezing UK household spending according to the RAC Foundation analysis of the 2007 Family Spending Survey.

The analysis finds that in the short to medium term, increases in fuel duty are contributing to the financial hardship experienced by many UK residents. Rural households, working age couples, the traditional family unit, retired couples and single person households are at particular risk from the pinch. Motorists living in the South (West and East), the Midlands, East England, Wales and Northern Ireland will also feel the effects of this increase.

“The cost of transport and its impact on UK households*” questions whether it is fair for motorists to bear the burden of topping up the public purse, and points out that, while the environment is often used as the argument for increasing fuel duty, recent analysis has shown that road users are the only energy users currently paying the full cost of their carbon emissions**.

The RAC Foundation’s fact file on household spending on motoring finds:

* 16% of household spending goes on transport and 88% of this spending is on private motoring

* Fuel purchasing takes 4% of the average weekly household expenditure, the second most costly weekly product or service after the cost of housing (mortgage interest - 7.1% - and gross rents - 6.1%)

* The average household spends £62 per week on transport. £18.20 of which is spent on fuel

* Households in rural areas spend 20% more on transport than those living in urban areas

* Working-age couples, the traditional family unit and retired couples (who are not completely dependent on the state) spend the most of their weekly budget on transport. Single households and retired couples dependent on the state also spend a high proportion of their outgoings on transport

* The South-West and the South-East regions spend the most on transport

* Wales and the Midlands commit the greatest proportion of their weekly expenditure to running personal transport.

* The East, the South-West and the East Midlands have the highest car ownership levels

* Households in Wales, Northern Ireland, the South West and the Midlands spend the largest proportion of their weekly income on fuel.

Sheila Rainger, Acting Director of the RAC Foundation said;

“UK households are under increased financial pressure as energy and other household bills are at an all time high. Fuel should not be priced as a luxury or be considered an undesirable purchase, as car travel is essential and in many instances the only way for people to get to employment, education and health services.”

 * The cost of transport and its impact on UK households

** Roads and Reality, RAC Foundation, November 2007.

The analysis has made use of the ONS (200 Family Spending Report 2007, published in January 2008 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_social/Family_Spending_2006-07/FamilySpending2007_web.pdf

The latest high-tech developments in motorway warning information have been recently unveiled in the West Midlands on the M42 on 36 existing signs over the 11 mile ‘Active Traffic Management’ stretch of motorway. The five different types of pictograms will help warn drivers of dangers ahead including accidents, congestion, snow/ice, high winds or an increased skid risk.

The Active  The National Traffic Control Centre is operated by the Highways Agency. The facility monitors the flow of traffic on England’s busy motorways, as well as providing the latest information on accidents and delays to the public and media alike. Live information from the National Traffic Control Centre is fed direct to the Traffic England website, which gives live traffic information 24 hours a day. Access to the site, at www.trafficengland.com, is free to all. Traffic Management scheme allows motorists to drive on the hard shoulder during busy periods.

Hard Shoulder running is a sensible use of existing capacity. But it is not a substitute for a long-term strategic approach to the UK’s road transport needs.The Secretary of State says wider use of hard shoulder running will add 800 lane-km to England’s motorway network. But the RAC Foundation’s report, Roads and Reality, concluded that an additional 600 lane-km of capacity is needed each year to meet the needs of the economy and people’s desire for mobility.

Rodney Kumar has  joined the Royal Automobile Club Foundation as Media Relations Manager for a six month period, effective from March 3rd 2008.

Rodney’s career started as a local newspaper ‘hack’, followed by five years in the Communications department of British Airways. His love of all things transport took him to Hyundai UK as Press Officer, followed by a communications role within Ford of Europe.

He said: “I am very excited to be joining the foundation at this time, and working with the team on a range of topical issues affecting road users.

“It will be a busy and stimulating time, as the amount of media interest in the country’s transport future has never been greater.”

Contact details:
Direct tel: 020 7747 3487
Mobile: 07515 984856
E-mail: rodney.kumar@racfoundation.co.uk

Almost half of Britain’s motorists regularly flout the law by texting and driving, putting themselves and other road users at risk, according to figures released today by the RAC Foundation (27).

A survey of 2,000 Facebook users has alarmingly revealed that 45% of UK drivers use short message services (SMS) whilst driving. Only 11% of motorists turn off their phones or switch them to mute - leaving 89% of drivers open to the distractions caused by mobile phones.

The survey marks the first anniversary of the increase in penalties for using a hand-held phone at the wheel. Motorists now receive a £60 fine and 3 penalty points for using their mobile phone whilst driving, which includes texting and driving. It was discovered in the survey that the young and techno savvy were more likely to text and drive in congested parts of the country, and that the level of texting whilst driving differs throughout the UK. It is highest in London (53%), and Manchester (50%), and lowest in Aberdeen (31%), Edinburgh (36%), Bristol (36%) and Glasgow (38%).

The survey has identified five distinct groups of texting drivers on UK roads. They are:

* Multi-tasking multimedia maestros:  Accounting for 21% of all motorists this group read and send texts in free flowing traffic. Dominated by techno savvy men aged 18-24, who regard the phone as a bionic add-on, this group consider texting to be an almost automatic reaction. The highest proportion of multi-tasking multimedia maestros can be found in Manchester (26%), London, Wales and Leeds (all 25%).

* Opportunistic optimisers: 19% of drivers read and/or send text messages when they are stuck in a jam. The delay itself may prompt people to text, for instance to let others know they are going to be late. Women are more likely than men to make up this group although membership decreases with age. This texting approach was by fat the most common in London (24%).

* Non-reactive realists: 44% of all motorists fall into this group. They will not text whilst driving, but will leave their phone audible. Phone alerts may distract the driver or encourage them to alter their driving plan (i.e. stop to read the text), which could create road safety problems, especially if they stop to view a text at an inappropriate location.  Women are most likely to be non-reactive realists although membership to this group increases with age for both sexes. Drivers in Glasgow (51%), the West Midlands (51%) and Bristol (51%) are most likely to be in this category.

* Casual observers: This group accounts for a mere 5% of the driving population. These drivers read their texts in moving traffic, but would not consider responding or sending messages whilst driving. This activity is most common in Manchester (7%), Glasgow (7%) and Newcastle (6%).

* Trendsetting team players: 11% of drivers make up this final group of motorists. They responsibly switch off their phones or put them on mute to avoid distractions. Women are marginally more likely than men to fall into this category.  Motorists in Aberdeen (19%), Edinburgh (16%) are particularly conscientious about these safety measures.

Elizabeth Dainton, Research Development Manager for the RAC Foundation, said:

“The survey clearly demonstrates that a large proportion of UK drivers are breaking the law by texting and driving. Many young people may not be aware that it is illegal to text and drive and how it places them and other road users in potential danger. Urgent action is needed to address this increasing problem, especially as the ‘Y’ generation, who have grown up with technology and computers, begin to take to the road.

“It is really hard to do two things at once. Using a mobile phone whilst driving means you are four times more likely to have a crash. If you have an accident whilst texting and driving, you can be prosecuted for not using due care and attention.

“Our message is clear - texting whilst driving is not safe. Motorists should switch off their mobile phones when driving or put them on silent mode. It takes away the temptation to read or reply to a text message whilst on the move. Messages can easily be picked up at the end of the journey or during a break. Master your phone - don’t be a slave to the SMS!”

Ends

Notes:

1. Survey question and sample details

2002 Facebook Members (www.facebook.com) were surveyed over the period Wednesday 13th February to Friday 15th February 2008. The question asked and the options given were as follows;

Do you text while driving?

Yes - I read & send texts in moving traffic
Yes - I read texts in moving traffic
Yes - I read &/or send texts in still traffic
No - I don’t text, but I am aware when I get a text
No - I mute or turn off the phone when driving

The sample consisted of the following:

Gender -
Male: 1201
Female: 800
Not specified: 1
Total: 2002

Age -
13-17: 248
18-24: 1108
25-34: 444
35-49: 171
Other: 31
Total: 2002

Location -
Edinburgh: 200
Glasgow: 200
Aberdeen: 100
West Midlands: 100
Newcastle: 100
Leeds: 100
Wales: 201
Portsmouth: 100
Bristol: 100
London: 500
Manchester: 201
Nottingham: 100
Total: 2002

3. The regional break down for the figures is in the table 1 below.

Table 1: Percentage of respondents in the regions who text whilst driving and the details of their texting activity

A=Text while driving (Overall figure. Further breakdown of activity provided in B-F)
B= Read and send texts in moving traffic
C= Read texts in moving traffic
D= Read and/or send texts in still traffic
E=Don’t text but hear phone
F= Mute or turn off phone
G= Total